So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld is a young adult novel. From the back cover.~
Ever wonder who was the first kid to keep a wallet on a big chunky chain, or wear way-too-big pants on purpose? What about the mythical first guy who wore his baseball cap backwards? These are the Innovators, the people at the peak of the cool pyramid.
Seventeen-year-old Hunter Braque is a Trendsetter, on the second level of the pyramid. His job: find the newest, coolest thing for the retail market. His MO: observe, don't get involved.
But he has to get involved when he and his crush, Jen, discover his boss's cell phone in an abandoned building-and his boss missing. Hunter and Jen are soon snared in a web of brand-name intrigue: a missing cargo of the coolest shoes they've ever seen, ads for products that don't exist, and a shadowy group dedicated to the downfall of consumerism as we know it.
So Yesterday was the first book by Scott Westerfeld I've read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by Westerfeld. So Yesterday is a fast-paced story about trends and how they come to be popular. There was really no products mentioned by name, but many were described well enough to know who made the products.
Hunter and Jen meet when he snaps a picture of her shoelaces to send to his boss. Hunter even gets Jen an invite to a focus group with a group of other Trendsetters. The adventure for Hunter and Jen begins when they are asked to meet his boss, Mandy, and only find her cell phone. While looking for Mandy, they find the coolest shoes ever made, go to a magazine launch party, are chased repeatedly by an unknown group, and seek the advise of other Trendsetter friends of Hunter.
I love the humor and the action in So Yesterday, and look forward to giving more books by Westerfeld a try.
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Thursday, January 29, 2009
Free e-books from eharlequin
Harlequin is celebrating 60 years in business by giving away free ebooks. I believe there are 16 books total that can be downloaded to your computer or e-reader. I'm so excited about free books. I was told about this promotion from RWTTD and Super Librarian.
Here is the link to the free book site:http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=1316&cmpid=BLSOC200901290002
Here is the link to the free book site:http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=1316&cmpid=BLSOC200901290002
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Scandal in Spring
Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas is book 4 in her Wallflower series. From the back cover.~
After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses- the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.
Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits a defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone...anyone...other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm...or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.
But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered...one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.
Daisy is more comfortable with her books than with the idea of finding a husband. She dreams of having a husband and family just like her friends, but knows she wants to marry anyone rather than Matthew Swift. Daisy is surprised when she begins to feel an attraction to Matthew. Matthew, unknown to anyone else, has always been attracted to Daisy. Matthew and Daisy have a passion between them that burns up the pages. Even when there is a scandal from Matthew's past, Daisy is willing to stand by the one man she never thought she could love.
Kleypas gives the reader a winner with Scandal in Spring. I really loved Daisy's and Matthew's story. Daisy is such a strong woman and love only seems to make her stronger. I look forward to reading the first two books in the Wallflower series as well as other books by Kleypas.
After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses- the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.
Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits a defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone...anyone...other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm...or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.
But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered...one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.
Daisy is more comfortable with her books than with the idea of finding a husband. She dreams of having a husband and family just like her friends, but knows she wants to marry anyone rather than Matthew Swift. Daisy is surprised when she begins to feel an attraction to Matthew. Matthew, unknown to anyone else, has always been attracted to Daisy. Matthew and Daisy have a passion between them that burns up the pages. Even when there is a scandal from Matthew's past, Daisy is willing to stand by the one man she never thought she could love.
Kleypas gives the reader a winner with Scandal in Spring. I really loved Daisy's and Matthew's story. Daisy is such a strong woman and love only seems to make her stronger. I look forward to reading the first two books in the Wallflower series as well as other books by Kleypas.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Something Wicked
Something Wicked by Julie Leto is an exciting and sexy book. It is the final book in Julie's St. Lyon witches series. From the eharlequin.com site.~
Josie Vargas knows that Detective Rick Fernandez is the only man for her. That is, until the day he vanishes. But Josie is determined…and frustrated! She's going to find Rick…and once she gets him into her bed, she's not going to let him leave!
But Rick is hiding a secret from sweet, sexy Josie. One so grim, he refuses to drag her into his twilight world. Because that darkness might shatter them both. And although Josie's charms are utterly bewitching, Rick is a man beyond redemption. No way can sex alone save him.
Although Josie plans to try—one wickedly seductive move at a time…
Josie and Rick first appeared in Julie's book Stripped. Josie is a mundane witch and Rick is a former police officer, who is on the search for a great evil. Josie is on the search for Rick, and is given only one week to locate him by Regina St. Lyon, a Guardian of the magical world. Josie and Rick have been attracted to one another from the first time they met, so Josie knows she can seduce Rick, and hopes she can get him to return to Chicago. Rick and Josie have explosive chemistry. They can't seem to keep their hands off one another when they are in the same room. Rick knows he needs to get Josie to return to Chicago without him, just so he can protect her.
Rick and Josie must work together to help Rick take out the evil that is after him. I loved Something Wicked. It was a fast-paced story that had elements of mystery mixed in with lots of romance. Leto gives the reader another winner with her final St. Lyon witches book.
Josie Vargas knows that Detective Rick Fernandez is the only man for her. That is, until the day he vanishes. But Josie is determined…and frustrated! She's going to find Rick…and once she gets him into her bed, she's not going to let him leave!
But Rick is hiding a secret from sweet, sexy Josie. One so grim, he refuses to drag her into his twilight world. Because that darkness might shatter them both. And although Josie's charms are utterly bewitching, Rick is a man beyond redemption. No way can sex alone save him.
Although Josie plans to try—one wickedly seductive move at a time…
Josie and Rick first appeared in Julie's book Stripped. Josie is a mundane witch and Rick is a former police officer, who is on the search for a great evil. Josie is on the search for Rick, and is given only one week to locate him by Regina St. Lyon, a Guardian of the magical world. Josie and Rick have been attracted to one another from the first time they met, so Josie knows she can seduce Rick, and hopes she can get him to return to Chicago. Rick and Josie have explosive chemistry. They can't seem to keep their hands off one another when they are in the same room. Rick knows he needs to get Josie to return to Chicago without him, just so he can protect her.
Rick and Josie must work together to help Rick take out the evil that is after him. I loved Something Wicked. It was a fast-paced story that had elements of mystery mixed in with lots of romance. Leto gives the reader another winner with her final St. Lyon witches book.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Deja Demon
Deja Demon is the latest book in The Days and Nights of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series by Julie Kenner. From the back cover~
Between attending gala fund-raisers for her husband's political campaign, training her teenage daughter to wield a crossbow and a stiletto, potty-training a toddler, and her increasingly complex personal life, Kate hardly has time to prepare for the impending chaos: a neighborhood Easter party that has her buried in eggs.
Keeping the local kiddos in line will talk all of Kate's skills as a mother and Demon Hunter, just when she'll need them the most. An old enemy has descended upon San Diablo-along with a full-blown army of the undead and a powerful demonic ally. Once again, its' up to Kate to save the world. Good thing she can multitask!
Deja Demon is a fun action-packed story, that picks up right where Demons are Forever ended. Kate is a Demon Hunter, who still hasn't revealed many of her secrets from her past to her husband Stuart. Kate works to keep her life together while continuing to battle the Demons that have taken up residence in San Diablo. Kate, with the help of Allie, her daughter, and Laura, Kate's best friend, must figure out who the latest Demon is who is threatening Kate's life. Kate must keep many balls in the air to take care of her family and her work.
I really enjoyed Deja Demon and look forward to future books in the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Some of the situations Kate gets into made me laugh out loud, before jumping because of the action scenes. Kenner writes a winner with Deja Demon.
Between attending gala fund-raisers for her husband's political campaign, training her teenage daughter to wield a crossbow and a stiletto, potty-training a toddler, and her increasingly complex personal life, Kate hardly has time to prepare for the impending chaos: a neighborhood Easter party that has her buried in eggs.
Keeping the local kiddos in line will talk all of Kate's skills as a mother and Demon Hunter, just when she'll need them the most. An old enemy has descended upon San Diablo-along with a full-blown army of the undead and a powerful demonic ally. Once again, its' up to Kate to save the world. Good thing she can multitask!
Deja Demon is a fun action-packed story, that picks up right where Demons are Forever ended. Kate is a Demon Hunter, who still hasn't revealed many of her secrets from her past to her husband Stuart. Kate works to keep her life together while continuing to battle the Demons that have taken up residence in San Diablo. Kate, with the help of Allie, her daughter, and Laura, Kate's best friend, must figure out who the latest Demon is who is threatening Kate's life. Kate must keep many balls in the air to take care of her family and her work.
I really enjoyed Deja Demon and look forward to future books in the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Some of the situations Kate gets into made me laugh out loud, before jumping because of the action scenes. Kenner writes a winner with Deja Demon.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Reader Slacker
So I've really been a bit of a slacker in my reading this past week. I started going to the gym Monday-Friday at 5:00 am and seem to be almost too tired to stay awake when I get home from work each night. I'm also meeting with my trainer on Saturday mornings, so I was really wiped out yesterday and took a 3 hour nap. BTW, my trainer totally kicked my butt...gotta love that in a trainer.
My goal is to get back to my reading each night, even if I can only manage 1 hour a night. I miss reading each day, but seems that sleep comes before reading. Hope everyone else is getting more time to read each day than me.
My goal is to get back to my reading each night, even if I can only manage 1 hour a night. I miss reading each day, but seems that sleep comes before reading. Hope everyone else is getting more time to read each day than me.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Devil in Winter
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas is the third book in "Wallflower" series. From the back cover~
Four young ladies enter London society and band together to each find a husband. Has the third "Wallflower" now met her match?
Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition:marriage!
Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.
But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts-which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions...or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.
This was the first book I've read by Lisa Kleypas, but won't be the last. I found out about this book from CJ at http://thethrillionthpage.blogspot.com, and decided I must give it a try for myself. Evie seems to be a really weak person at the first of the book and Sebastian appears to only care about himself. As Evie and Sebastian spend more time together, they both seem to see something special in the other. Of course, Evie ending their lovemaking after their wedding night, only makes Sebastian want her even more.
Devil in Winter is a historical romance, which I haven't read in many years, but reminded me how much I enjoyed them in the past. I really liked the relationship between both Evie and Sebastian. Evie's friendship with the other "Wallflowers" shows how women really act as friends.
Overall, I really enjoyed Devil in Winter, and will look for more books by Lisa Kleypas in the future. I plan on reading the rest of the books in the "Wallflowers" series, once I get a few more books read from my TBR pile.
Four young ladies enter London society and band together to each find a husband. Has the third "Wallflower" now met her match?
Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition:marriage!
Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.
But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts-which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions...or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.
This was the first book I've read by Lisa Kleypas, but won't be the last. I found out about this book from CJ at http://thethrillionthpage.blogspot.com, and decided I must give it a try for myself. Evie seems to be a really weak person at the first of the book and Sebastian appears to only care about himself. As Evie and Sebastian spend more time together, they both seem to see something special in the other. Of course, Evie ending their lovemaking after their wedding night, only makes Sebastian want her even more.
Devil in Winter is a historical romance, which I haven't read in many years, but reminded me how much I enjoyed them in the past. I really liked the relationship between both Evie and Sebastian. Evie's friendship with the other "Wallflowers" shows how women really act as friends.
Overall, I really enjoyed Devil in Winter, and will look for more books by Lisa Kleypas in the future. I plan on reading the rest of the books in the "Wallflowers" series, once I get a few more books read from my TBR pile.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Gideon
Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank is the second book in her Nightwalkers series. From the back cover~
They're called the Nightwalkers-proud, ancient beings who live in the shadows, existing just beyond the human world. But there are also dangerous humans who hunt them-necromancers who use the blackest magic to manipulate them. And for a Demon named Gideon, the battle against these evil forces will soon be all too personal...
For a thousand years, Gideon has healed his people. and as the oldest surviving male of his race, his wisdom has always been respected without question. But Gideon knows that even he is vulnerable to the powerful, primitive desires that befall his kind during Hallowed moons-and nine years ago that truth was hammered home when he found himself claiming Magdelegna, the Demon King's sister, in a wild embrace. Horrified by his lack of control, he left her wanting and furious-and then exiled himself for the better part of a decade. Now, with necromancers threatening his people-and Magdelegna nearly their victim-Gideon must face another truth. He and the beautiful, stubborn Magdelegna are destined to be together, to share a love as deep and old as time itself. But first he needs to regain her trust. Then he'll have to save her life...Every night holds secrets.
I loved Gideon's story. The love and passion between Gideon and Magdelegna jumped off the pages. Frank tells so much in one book, that you want to read every book in the series to find out all about the characters. Gideon is so misunderstood by the Demon people that only Magdelgna truly understands him. We meet other Nightwalker species in Gideon's story and I look forward to finding out more about each of these groups. Frank gives the reader another wonderful paranormal romance with elements of mystery to keep the reader glued to the pages.
They're called the Nightwalkers-proud, ancient beings who live in the shadows, existing just beyond the human world. But there are also dangerous humans who hunt them-necromancers who use the blackest magic to manipulate them. And for a Demon named Gideon, the battle against these evil forces will soon be all too personal...
For a thousand years, Gideon has healed his people. and as the oldest surviving male of his race, his wisdom has always been respected without question. But Gideon knows that even he is vulnerable to the powerful, primitive desires that befall his kind during Hallowed moons-and nine years ago that truth was hammered home when he found himself claiming Magdelegna, the Demon King's sister, in a wild embrace. Horrified by his lack of control, he left her wanting and furious-and then exiled himself for the better part of a decade. Now, with necromancers threatening his people-and Magdelegna nearly their victim-Gideon must face another truth. He and the beautiful, stubborn Magdelegna are destined to be together, to share a love as deep and old as time itself. But first he needs to regain her trust. Then he'll have to save her life...Every night holds secrets.
I loved Gideon's story. The love and passion between Gideon and Magdelegna jumped off the pages. Frank tells so much in one book, that you want to read every book in the series to find out all about the characters. Gideon is so misunderstood by the Demon people that only Magdelgna truly understands him. We meet other Nightwalker species in Gideon's story and I look forward to finding out more about each of these groups. Frank gives the reader another wonderful paranormal romance with elements of mystery to keep the reader glued to the pages.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Blazing Bedtime Stories
Blazing Bedtime Stories is the latest anthology released by Blaze. Blazing Bedtime Stories include stories by Kimberly Raye (Once Upon A Bite), Leslie Kelly (My What A Big...You Have!), and Rhonda Nelson (Sexily Ever After). The Blaze tag line is "Grown-up fairy tales for Valentine's Day!", and that perfectly describes each of the stories.
Each story is about a woman who has been wronged and is pretty much over Valentine's Day. Each woman ends up on film telling Cupid he can "kiss my ass", which ends up on a website called kissmyasscupid.com. Cupid decides that he must help these women find their happily ever after.
All three bedtime stories were super hot, while still being sweet and funny. They were really fast reads and I loved each one. I made a point of buying my Blazes this month for my e-reader and really enjoyed the format.
Each story is about a woman who has been wronged and is pretty much over Valentine's Day. Each woman ends up on film telling Cupid he can "kiss my ass", which ends up on a website called kissmyasscupid.com. Cupid decides that he must help these women find their happily ever after.
All three bedtime stories were super hot, while still being sweet and funny. They were really fast reads and I loved each one. I made a point of buying my Blazes this month for my e-reader and really enjoyed the format.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
2009 Reading Goals
I'm trying to improve on my books read from 2008 in 2009. I have a good idea of the number of books read in 2008(around 120), but would like to read a more in 2009.
My reading goals for 2009 are as follows:
1. Read at least one new-to-me author each month
2. Read at least 2 books per month that have been in my TBR pile since 2008
3. Read more ebooks, since I finally invested in a Sony ereader over Christmas
4. Keep a log of all books read on an excel spreadsheet, listing author, genre, date completed, and my grade for the book
5. Get my reviews up on my blog faster than in 2008
6. Try to read at least one book a month that is outside my comfort zone
I'm sure I'll come up with other goals as the year progresses, but these are good for now.
My reading goals for 2009 are as follows:
1. Read at least one new-to-me author each month
2. Read at least 2 books per month that have been in my TBR pile since 2008
3. Read more ebooks, since I finally invested in a Sony ereader over Christmas
4. Keep a log of all books read on an excel spreadsheet, listing author, genre, date completed, and my grade for the book
5. Get my reviews up on my blog faster than in 2008
6. Try to read at least one book a month that is outside my comfort zone
I'm sure I'll come up with other goals as the year progresses, but these are good for now.
Veil of Midnight
Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian is the fifth book in her Midnight Breed series. From the back cover~
Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest-and most erotic-place of all.
A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man-vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability-a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence-a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness...and pleasure beyond imagining.
A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed-and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way:the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata's powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she's forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desires fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata's life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond-and a passion that could save or doom them both forever...
I love Lara Adrian's world of the Midnight Breed. In Veil of Midnight, Niko is sent to find a Gen-One Vampire and warn him of the assassinations that have been occurring against the Gen-One vampires. Niko is taken down by Renata, the Gen-One's bodyguard, and taken to the compound to meet Sergei Yakut, the very Gen-One vampire Niko has been searching for in Montreal. Niko feels an instant attraction to Renata, but because of a misunderstanding, believes she is tied to Yakut.
Renata and Niko must overlook their misunderstandings to keep each other alive and save the life a child, Mira, who is so important to Renata. While they are trying to save Mira, Renata and Niko discover a passion for one another that burns up the pages. Veil of Midnight gives the reader action, a bit of mystery, and lots of passion and romance. I can't wait for Ashes of Midnight, the next in the Midnight Breed series that comes out in May.
Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest-and most erotic-place of all.
A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man-vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability-a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence-a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness...and pleasure beyond imagining.
A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed-and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way:the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata's powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she's forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desires fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata's life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond-and a passion that could save or doom them both forever...
I love Lara Adrian's world of the Midnight Breed. In Veil of Midnight, Niko is sent to find a Gen-One Vampire and warn him of the assassinations that have been occurring against the Gen-One vampires. Niko is taken down by Renata, the Gen-One's bodyguard, and taken to the compound to meet Sergei Yakut, the very Gen-One vampire Niko has been searching for in Montreal. Niko feels an instant attraction to Renata, but because of a misunderstanding, believes she is tied to Yakut.
Renata and Niko must overlook their misunderstandings to keep each other alive and save the life a child, Mira, who is so important to Renata. While they are trying to save Mira, Renata and Niko discover a passion for one another that burns up the pages. Veil of Midnight gives the reader action, a bit of mystery, and lots of passion and romance. I can't wait for Ashes of Midnight, the next in the Midnight Breed series that comes out in May.